Wide side cabinet & panniers or smaller

[UK4X4]

2nd Offroad trailer build

OK

I've built a new frame and am now designing new boxes to go on top,
my little trailer is being outgrown..

so here's a few sketches of plans, but I'm undesided on wether to build the side paniers out full width or only 8 out of the 12" to make it more asthetic...

what do you lot think ? side view would be the same for either

This is my present one, the sizes are about 6" wider box, 8" higher, actual width out to the fenders 2" larger either side, basicly where the open baskets are would be a rear drop down side openning and forward of the wheel arch
would be a side openning cabinet, similar to the lonewolf thread trailer

 

[spunky2268]

Looks like a good plan for your new trailer. Easy access to all compartments, no "having to dig deep" for items, and quick setup once in camp. Your departure angle looks good-to-go, too. I like to see my trailer wheels when I tow (no Expo trailer yet, only horses and emergency equipment for now) so cutting the sides and panniers in a bit may allow you to see where your trailer wheels are and what they are doing; like I know what I'm talkin' about:drool: ...

Your old trailer, tho. AWESOMEunk03: I love the zebra print. Those gypsy racks on the side are nice. Are those custom? What are the telescopic poles for on the front? Man, someone's gonna get a really nice rig if you decide to sell that.

Spunky

 

[UK4X4]

paint job was a due to a bored wife,,,,,,,and copied from Longleat wildlife park in the UK where all the trucks etc have zebra print

Side racks are front and rear of a wilderness rack with a few extra bars welded in...

The extendable bars are for my roof tent, canoes etc.....

I was trying to sell it , but had little interest....with a second box, but it looks like none of the zebra boxes will fit my new one, so the whole zebra thing may soon be up for sale...


probably painted sand color for those others who commented on the paint scheme

 

[Martyn]

As far as protection goes most of the "hits" you are going to get are going to be on the tongue and nose box area, and on the sides in front of the tire.

Your wider version may be prone to being hit as it's wider. But at 64" it's still a narrow trailer.

 

[UK4X4]

main frame is done, rear of rear box frame is done, front of rear box frame is
cut and clamped in place over the rear.

I looked at

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6043&page=2

this threads design for the front hitch etc as it seemed to be a usefull idea.....but just the steel when I bought the two pieces weighed 70lbs......

so thats gona stay on the garage floor

I also did the sides in one piece rather than all diferent pieces, just cutting a V in the frame sides, bending them in to the front V and welding up the cut.

My cross beams are light wall 2x2 too as the 3x2's weigh at least twice as much per piece

this weekend I'll weld it up and add the interconnects, then I need to frame the doors, which I'll start depending on time and materials.

Anyone have any suggestions for flush type locking latches ?

over center wo'nt work as I'm recessing the doors in the frame to stop them being pried open.

Not really for here, but further south......

 

[oldcj5guy]

What are your main frame rails, size and thickness?
You cut the v in the main frame and bent it for the tongue?
I have given thought to going that route on a build.

Can't wait until you get pictures of the new build up....

 

[UK4X4]

side frame rails are 3"x2" same wall thickness as in the other thread, I forget what it is

The zone where they come together will have a plate welded over it too,

Its quite dificult to get neat welds down within those angles

There will be other parts to the frame bring it out to the width of the rear bumper, in 2x2 light wall tube, the main box is 60" wide
the frame is 64" wide, so the frame is proud by 2" either side when finished.

Baby is only 7 days away right now so the garage is my refuge from "grumpy mummy"

To get the angle right is pretty easy, just need to get the V symetrical clamp the beam down, bend in the steel , clamp in place then weld.

Then the second one clamp ontop of the first and repeat to get them the same,

before doing the first top weld do a couple of tack's to keep things from moving

 

[UK4X4]

Well things are going slowly, busy at work and awaiting the baby......who's late...should have arrived today ......

the stork is obviously delayed or missed bakersfield in the smog....

rear box frame is taking shape, its seperate from the chassis as it all has to be dismountable....(company will not ship trailers but the will ship storage containers and steel frames.......

Sorting out the doors/seals and locking has taken a lot of cubalibres......Ie doors not proud of the frame, full seals, compressive locks, least pryable design, nothing unboltable/pryable....

It looks like the locks will end out being almost as much as the steel........

But I could of always used exterior hasps and a padlock, but their just so easy to pry off.

The doors will be recessed flush with the frame, a strip or small angle iron piece will make the seal mount, a rubber air filled automotive seal will be used.

The opening in the side panniers is 19' x 40 long, so well suitable for a kitchen, my old version had the kitchen in the rear.....with a lower down door...made the table 24" of the ground so only usable while sitting....

Door will open down, two inner ply doors with mounted stuff will hinge out left and right about 6" deep, to make sides.

then the rear cubbies and table part will slide out on drawer runners.

The kitchen side will ingress into the main box....but I have enough space, and no huge items.

The side pannies ended up the length of the wheel arches, which will make the front side door square and easier to make.

The fridge will mount inside the kitchen side door and slide out on drawer runners to complete the kitchen.

Wife is seriously bored....and had quite enough of the internal basket ball

any way a few pics

Oh poor doggy.......bells on his legs and collar...

Straps etc are for pulling the frame into shape before welding, the thin wall tube does move significantly, and I've also used one of the 3" beams , washers, g clamps and a propane torch to force the steel square again........

Things seem to be square within an 1/8 inch and good enough for me, just takes a while checking and re-checking diagonals

Note this is just your average joes household garage....so hand tools only and a small welder......

 

[Rezarf <><]

Looks great Keep it up!

Drew

 

[UK4X4]

Its getting there slowly, about an hour a day......the rear door framing is now complete,

next job will either be the front box or the side doors....not to sure yet what I'll do next.

I'm trying to take my time and not have to cut and re-weld, like you with your frame that thin section moves every time you weld a new part to it

have you done the panels yet on yours ? or the door latches....your thread gave me the tubing sizes, and the motivation to build my second unit, the old one is fine....just need more room ...for more stuff..........

ie milspec expedition baby strollers.....

My baby girl was born last night a 3.00am.....whohoo I'm a daddy...

 

[Rezarf <><]

have you done the panels yet on yours ? or the door latches....your thread gave me the tubing sizes, and the motivation to build my second unit, the old one is fine....just need more room ...for more stuff..........

ie milspec expedition baby strollers.....

My baby girl was born last night a 3.00am.....whohoo I'm a daddy...

I haven't worked on my trailer with any momentum in nearly a month. Holiday travel, busy at work, cold outside...

I am lining up sheet metal but my contact is closed for the holidays. I am going back and adding side boxes for more storage, I figure that is the reason I built this thing in the first place, may as well milk all the space I can.

I do have latches, but I will need the sheet steel before installing them.

Congratulations on the baby! :wings:

 

[suntinez]

My baby girl was born last night a 3.00am.....whohoo I'm a daddy...

Awesome news, congratulations DAD!! :luxhello:

I'm really impressed with what you've done on this trailer build. Man I wish I had a garage ...

 

[Willman]

^ Congrads!


Love the trailer build!

 

[UK4X4]

"Awesome news, congratulations DAD!! "

its pretty neat, she quiet so far and no hassle....but we're only two days at home.....so that can change.........

So not much progress on the trailer.....

Completed the rear door frame over christmas, and spent a while straightening the frame its self, for all my measurements and care the frame
was distorted by the welding, causing the top to bow up in the middle and the two main verticals to bow in.

I used a 3" square section heavy wall, some washers and G-Clamps to straighten it all out the best i could.

the door was assembled in situe with washers all round as spacers and welded up in place, to fit the hole......and when you let the clamps go.....it still moves...but it will work fine.

I've gone for two large hinges rather than piano, these you can see in the pics, but will be welded in place later.

The exterior panels etc will be 1/16" Aluminum chequer plate.........but don't worry no shiny stuff on this build, it will be sanded and painted over.

Security is a criterior to this build, so doors are sunk in to reduce prying, the materials are tougher than my last build, and slightly heavier too.

The latches will be sunk in and internal seals on all the doors, which will make for a lot more work than making exterior mount doors and a 1/8" foam seal, but this trailer will be the last for a while...and I'm not thinking on US issues.....further afield.. where security is an issue.

You can still see a bit of bow in the first picture in the upper cross beam...bugger